Cowboys clear space to sign 2 free-agent defenders

The Dallas Cowboys have signed safety Will Allen and linebacker Justin Durant to free-agent contracts.

Dallas was able to sign the two defensive players Wednesday after restructuring the contract of backup quarterback Kyle Orton and releasing receiver Anthony Armstrong to clear enough salary-cap space. Allen and Durant could be potential starters in the Cowboys' new 4-3 scheme with new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Durant started 14 games and had 103 tackles last season for Detroit, where he played the last two years after starting his career with four seasons in Jacksonville.

Allen spent the last three seasons in Pittsburgh after six in Tampa Bay. He has started 33 of his 130 NFL games with 238 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups.

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